Marcel Duchamp

André Breton
Sale: Calmels Cohen, Paris, André Breton, 42, rue Fontaine, April 8, 2003, lot 524
Acquired at the above sale by Dr. Arthur Brandt

Ithaca, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, A Private Eye: Dada, Surrealism and More from the Brandt Collection, 2006, illustrated in the catalogue p. 42

Arturo Schwarz, The Complete Works of Marcel Duchamp, London, 1997, vol. II, no. 560 (Eau & Gaz à tous les étages) and 563 (design for Lebel's Sur Marcel Duchamp), illustration of other examples pp. 814 and 815
Francis M. Naumann, Marcel Duchamp: The Art of Making Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, New York, 1999, no. 724, illustration of another example p. 191
Francis M. Naumann, The Recurrent, Haunting Ghost: Essays on the art, life and legacy of Marcel Duchamp, New York, 2012, no. 26-12, illustration of another example p. 363

This is the grand deluxe edition of Eau et Gaz. It is one of 17 examples which contains an imitated Readymade, signed with Duchamp's initials. Examples from the deluxe and ordinary editions do not have this rare plaque. Cloth-covered box containing numerous items – the cloth covering the spine of the box shows some minor fading and the box itself has a few signs of wear. All elements contained in the box are intact and stable. The plastic replica of the 'Large Glass' shows significant undulations, typical and inherent to this work and in a similar condition to other boxes of the edition. The cardboard frame also displays some creases as a result. Two screws are missing from the lower corners of the 'Eau & Gaz' sign attached to the box cover. This work is in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The deluxe edition of Robert Lebel's monograph Sur Marcel Duchamp, published in Paris in 1959, one of 17 lettered examples in addition to the special edition numbered I-X. The reddish-brown cloth-covered box features an imitated Readymade of the plaque EAU & GAZ A TOUS LES ETAGES, affixed to the box cover, a facsimile metal plaque executed in an edition of 27 after similar plaques typically affixed to residential buildings in France. The inside of the box contains additional items as listed above. Accompanied by a letter addressed to André Breton from Arnold Fawcus, dated 26 June, 1958, founder of the Trianon Press (publisher of Sur Marcel Duchamp) requesting Breton to proof-read Lebel's book, the first comprehensive monograph on Duchamp.